Shippers today want more from their execution vendors, who are responding with systems that address outsourcing, security, data flow and new trade regulations.
Retailers have been investing in supply chain technology for some time. Now they need to take it to the next level: the store. New technology advancements are making it possible for retailers to cut logistics costs significantly while dramatically improving customer service.
IT budgets are increasing, but few of those dollars will make their way to the supply-chain arena. The focus there will continue to be on leveraging existing technology.
The concerns and priorities differ somewhat in each sphere, but some providers feel they can make a case for managing each type of shipment with a single, comprehensive system.
Radio frequency identification is accelerating a trend to move business intelligence to the edge of the enterprise. It is a trend few companies will escape and understanding the infrastructure is essential to success.
The impetus to examine and tweak business processes may stem from pressures from government regulation, Wall Street or any of a number of market forces. Regardless, those who have no BPM initiative are at a competitive disadvantage.
Even the best companies forget that their supply chains are only as strong as the transportation system that supports them. Unfortunately, capacity constraints, high costs and other problems portend serious transportation problems. The answer is having the right transportation executive on staff who understands the legal and operational challenges ahead.
Excessive use of the word has made collaboration a tired concept in the minds of many. But not with these manufacturers, vendors, and industry experts. • Sixth in the Best Practices series.
"Thinking like a big company," the maker of specialty outdoor equipment makes the jump from outmoded information technology systems to demand-driven manufacturing.
The latest supply-chain news, analysis, trends and tools for executives in the automotive industry — which consists of companies that produce automobiles, utility vehicles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and heavy trucks. Learn how automotive companies and their suppliers around the world are managing the flow of products across all channels of the enterprise. Experts sound off on forecasting and demand planning, supply-chain visibility, logistics outsourcing, inventory optimization, transportation management, warehouse management, supply-chain security, corporate social responsibility and more.
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